Sustainability has shaped recent consumer trends, and house renovation is no exception. An impressive 95% of respondents in a 2023 Houzz study chose to embrace sustainable features when revamping their kitchen, the room which remains the most expensive when renovating. That said, their reasons were more about saving money than saving the earth.
Clearly Renovations
Compared to other areas in the house, homeowners often create major changes to the kitchen, with median spending on renovations increasing steadily since 2019 ($15,000) to $20,000 in 2021.
“Homeowners are gravitating towards sustainable choices during kitchen renovations, and it is interesting to see the intersection of economic solutions and environmental concerns. The most frequent reason behind choosing sustainable options is long-run cost effectiveness, with environmental-friendliness as a secondary consideration,” said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist.
NOTO Architects
The survey of more than 450 respondents found that popular choices include LED bulbs (71%), energy-efficient appliances (63%), and water-efficient fixtures (49%). More than two in five homeowners also opt for a timeless design as a sustainable choice during renovations (45%).
While the alleged health dangers of engineered stone are well reported in the press at the moment, the study also reveals that engineered quartz is still the most popular benchtop material (36%) followed by laminate and granite.
Chris Snook
Additional insights from the 2023 Houzz Australia Kitchen Trends Study:
Contemporary leads the way: Contemporary is the top style choice for renovated kitchens in 2023, followed closely by modern.
Popular pantries: 53% of kitchen updaters are installing pantry cabinets, and 27% making space for a walk-in pantry.
Classic colours: white is the most popular colour for walls, cabinets, benchtops and splashbacks.
Electronic upgrades: Renovating homeowners incorporate technology into their kitchen appliances with Wi-Fi connectivity, smartphone/tablet controls, and colour touchscreen displays.
Kitchen usage is varied: As well as cooking, homeowners also bake, eat, entertain, socialise and work in the kitchen.
Chris Snook
The 2023 Houzz Australia Kitchen Trends Study is a report of homeowners who are in the midst of, are planning or recently completed a kitchen renovation. The online survey was fielded to Houzz Australia users in November-to-December 2022. Spend data is taken from the Houzz & Home Survey, sent to registered users of Houzz Australia and fielded March-to-April 2022.
Whether renovating or designing from scratch, it’s easy to get immersed in the fun part of the design process (colours, finishes etc!) when space planning is just as important. Improving the functionality and workflow of a space is key and this is especially the case in the kitchen. Part of a whole apartment renovation in Sydney’s Manly, this kitchen was overhauled recently with fabulous results.
BEFOREAFTER kitchen
Finishes aside, it’s the change in orientation that has made the biggest difference to this kitchen. “The old island bench has been rotated by 90 degrees and now sits perpendicular to the workspace. This has created an entirely new personality for the space and allows the owners to take advantage of the lovely views from the terrace beyond,” said David Bartlett, Art of Kitchens owner and head designer.
The island bench is the central focus of the design, oriented to allow the owners to fully enjoy the beautiful natural vista outside. “The island is perfectly balanced to provide enough space to be functional, but not so large that it becomes an impediment to good visual flow,” said David. A large overhang creates a casual meals area, and the tiled surface imparts a gorgeous retro feel.
The island bench features a lovely green feature tile
Located by the seaside, the main goals of the renovation were to enhance the owners’ lifestyle and create a connection with nature – this is mostly obviously seen through the colour scheme. “Reflecting the stunning landscape of the exterior, the colour scheme is a lovely balance of Dulux Bottle Green in a satin polyurethane finish together with a Carrara honed marble island benchtop and splashback,” says David. A stainless steel benchtop was chosen for the back run for added functionality and a sink has been fabricated into it for a seamless, hygienic finish.
The pantry area is fitted out with LED lighting as well as organisational elements to ensure everything that’s needed is close by and easy to find. A Blum oil drawer is helpfully located adjacent to the cooking zone for ease of access and storage space is maximised by taking the upper cabinets all the way to the ceiling and utilising a range of drawers under the benchtops.
“Of note is the casual breakfast/meals area behind the benchtop. A bench seat provides variable seating options while the playful striped upholstery reflects the main green of the kitchen cabinetry. The freestanding timber table has a shape reminiscent of a surfboard, further reflecting the beachside location of the apartment.”
While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late is marble-look porcelain. A great alternative to the much more costly natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.
Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydney’s Kaolin Tiles has a unique offering in this space – the company offers over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.
This bathroom features Kaolin Tiles marble printed porcelain tiles
“We scan natural stones and recreate them by printing them on porcelain tiles. We do a 12-layer print which gives incredible depth and realism as there are several colours printed on top of one another. It’s pretty had to differentiate our porcelain product from natural stone,” says Anton Bourtsev of the product that can be used on the floor and wall, kitchen benchtops and bathroom vanities.
The Kaolin Tiles showroom
The Kaolin Tiles range is made from clay and the company name is derived from the Gaoling Village in China where fine China has been made since the 15th century. Kaolin is considered the superior clay because it is the hardest, most elastic and translucent and the resulting material is durable and strong as well as heat, chip and scratch resistant – all fabulous selling points.
“People still see porcelain tiles as a typical construction material that’s only available in small sizes, but we use porcelain to create that precious stone look in a large format,” says Anton.
And as for pricing, where you might pay between $700 and $2,000 per square metre for a natural stone, the Kaolin product comes in at around $200 per square metre.
Unsurprisingly, the product’s affordability has also resulted in several clients being more adventurous with colour. “Even if you have a high budget, it’s still hard to find pink or blue natural stone but with our product you can get the same look on a much smaller budget so we’ve found that our clients are taking more risks with colour in their homes,” says Anton.
This bathroom uses tiles that mimic the natural stone Sodalite Blue
Kaolin Tiles also has an Endless Vein product that allows you to purchase sets comprised of six-to-eight large format porcelain sheets. They come in 750mm x 1500mm and 900mm x 1800mm iterations and all join to create an endless connection between the veins. “You don’t see the print repeated and it looks like one beautiful piece. For example, an eight-piece set would give you around 13 square metres without repeating the veining,” says Anton.
Also, the product can be laid with an almost seamless grout join – whereas a typical join is 1.5-3mm, the Kaolin range can accommodate a 0.5mm grout join. “The very small grout combined with the endless vein makes for a stylish finish.”
Give it a few weeks and a bar of soap can quickly become an off-colour, grimey mess (and their hygiene factor has to be a bit questionable, right?!). But the right looking and smelling hand wash pump is so much more than just a great way to clean your hands; it’s one of your main bathroom accessories, both pretty and practical! Here we’ve updated our popular roundup of the best ones out there.
“Whoever said Australia isn’t a superpower should come outback,” says Leif who has taken over the stylish hand wash space of late with its beautiful scents and chic packaging. The Leif Limited Edition Gold Label Boronia hand wash, $99 is housed in a stunning terracotta bottle. Inside is one of the brand’s signature scents – it’s made from native Boronia that blooms for just a a couple of weeks each winter. Showcasing native Australian ingredients, the brand’s formulations are vegan, cruelty-free and made in Australia.
I’m still a long time fan of the Bondi Wash hand washes ($35): Combining the finest natural ingredients with essential oils, each hand wash includes natural moisturisers to soothe and soften. Perfect for those with sensitive skin or eczema. Available in five scents (my fave is Sydney Peppermint and Rosemary), the minimal packaging design looks lovely too (I love that you can actually see the product inside). And the fragrances are amazing!
The creation of sisters, twins and former Blockheads Alisa and Lysandra, the AL.IVE Kaffir Lime & Green Tea wash and lotion duo and tray ($79) has been created with design lovers in mind. The products are available in a variety of gorgeous colours including rust, sea foam, blush and black and the hand wash and lotion duo is housed in a chic tray. An eco-conscious purchase, the brand plants a tree for every product sold.
My friends and I used to joke that a sign of making it in life was having Aesop Hand Wash ($43) in your home, because let’s face it, it’s not cheap (although not the most expensive on this list!)! The older I get though, the more I think that spending a little bit more on everyday treats like this is absolutely worth it! A stylists’ favourite the world over, the iconic label and amber glass-look bottle is instantly recognisable! Established in Melbourne in 1987, I also can’t help but love this Aussie business success story. Their stores are always beautifully designed too.
Housed in a stylish glass bottle, the Panier des Sens Marseille Liquid Soap in glass Rose ($34.95) is one of the more beautiful hand wash options on the market. Hailing from Provence, and distributed locally by Saison, the unchanged ancestral formula is cooked in the purest tradition of the Marseille master soap makers (in a cauldron no less!). It’s formulated with rose flower oil while violet, muguet and peach notes round out its elegant scent.
From the company best known for its iconic eucalyptus oil (that’s been in Australian homes since 1852!) comes an absolutely fabulous hand wash for a bargain price – the Bosistos Desert Lime & Eucalyptus hand wash ($6). And while the bottle isn’t the most beautiful of this bunch it is simple and clean and, the scent it leaves on your hands is delicious. The product is is enriched with Australian native botanicals including Desert Lime which is known for its anti-ageing properties. The product is available nationally through Coles and Woolworths.
Part of Mecca’s in-house brand, the Mecca Cosmetics Nourishing Hand Wash ($40) is designed for a little everyday indulgence and we love its simple monochrome design. The hand wash is scented with delicate notes of clove, juniper berries, tobacco leaves and oud while key ingredients include nourishing avocado oil, rejuvenating lemon oil and beta glucan which ensures moisture penetrates the skin. Once the product is finished, the bottle can be returned to the store where it will enter a recycling program and be made into something new.
Another Aussie brand that has made it overseas is Grown Alchemist, with its organic ingredients, commitment to sustainability and focus on products that actually work. Their hand creams are also amazing in my opinion! I love the packaging and the amazing scent of their Sweet Orange, Cedarwood and Sage Hand Wash ($31) They have other fragrances too.
Beautifully designed and naturally-derived, each Thankyou. hand wash ($7.50) refreshes refreshes and nourishes your skin. But that’s not the best part, every bottle helps get water, toilets or hygiene training to people in need. Buying from Thankyou is a real win-win! Great value, great looking and a great cause!
Aussie made, the Ena brand features beautifully designed products that are environmentally friendly and contain no nasty chemicals or synthetic fragrances. Made from essential oils, the brand gives back with every sale to one of its three chosen NGOs. We love the Ena Pink Grapefruit, Lemon Myrtle and Eucalyptus hand wash (500ml), $36.
Made in Denmark and exuding the clean hallmarks of Danish design, the Frama Apothecary hand wash, $64.90 is a fabulous choice. Housed in a luxe glass bottle, this mild hand wash has a fresh, aromatic scent that includes notes of sandalwood, cedar wood and ylang ylang.
Another option for those that love clean, minimal graphic design in their bathroom products, Tangent GC’s Organic Hand Soap, $43 is a beautiful bathroom accessory that is ideal for daily use. The product is crafted in France from all natural and organic ingredients and is scented with the beautifully smelling citrus fruit yuzu.
We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you would add.
From the latest high-tech ovens and fridges to hit the market to beautiful stone-look porcelain panels, building the kitchen of your dreams has never been easier.
Artedomus MAXIMUM porcelain panels: An expansion to an existing range, the latest MAXIMUM porcelain panels range from complex and intriguing burgundy veining, to warm, golden tones and earthy textures. Comprised of four new designs (Viola, Damascato, Roccia and Luna), these panels recreate the beauty of natural stone in a highly durable, low-maintenance finish that can be used on walls, floors and surfaces making them ideal for the kitchen.
Artedomus MAXIMUM porcelain panels in Luna
Artedomus MAXIMUM porcelain panels in Luna
AEG 90cm SensePro PyroLuxe Multifunction 16 Oven in matte black: With built-in assisted cooking (the oven comes with a food sensor that you can insert into your food ensuring maximum precision), you can control how you would prefer food cooked and this oven will do the rest. Self-cleaning, this oven also allows you to scroll through menus, select a food category and the oven will generate the correct settings for the dish. Amazing!
Essastone: A new range of European-inspired engineered stone has joined the Essastone collection and it celebrates classic looks through intricate veining and luxe finishes. The new range includes Warm Taupe (a light taupe with a speckled appearance), Vena Grigia (a creamy white enhanced by grey veining), and Light Concrete which is suggestive of classic concrete with its restrained texture and off-white background. Like all Essastone products, the new finishes recreate the appearance of natural stone while remaining cost-effective and durable.
Essastone Vena Grigia
LG Fridge: With home entertaining on the rise, LG has just launched its latest French Door refrigerator range and it features the LG Craft ice maker which creates slow-melting ice balls ideal for cocktails. Water flows straight from the fridge door and we love the LG InstaView™ Door-in-Door® feature which, with two quick knocks, illuminates the fridge’s sleek glass panel allowing you to see inside.
Methven: With the kitchen considered the heart of a home, it’s no surprise that renovating or building a new kitchen will reach record highs in 2022 according to the HIA Kitchen & Bathroom Report 2020-21. The kitchen mixer is a key component to any fabulous kitchen and, from space saving to pull-out goose neck iterations, there’s one for every space at Methven.
Methven Urban pull out sink mixer
The Methven Kiri sink mixer is a great space-saving alternative
ARKE: In a market dominated by plastic gadgets, Swedish design company Aarke has just launched a sparkling water maker in stainless steel with glass bottle. Called the Carbonator Pro, the stylish kitchen accessory is practical too – you only need one hand to use it.
Scarabeo Ceramiche UP sink: Available locally from Paco Jaanson, the UP sink features eye-catching raised edges and was inspired by ancient ceramic design. It’s available in a smooth matte black or glossy white finish and features antibacterial properties too.
5 stylish kitchen design trends to look out for in 2023
With the new year around the corner, it’s time to look ahead at the trends 2023 will have to offer.…
A closer look at The Block 2022 kitchen trends
During every season of The Block, Kitchen Week is always one of the most exciting parts of the show. A…
With the new year around the corner, it’s time to look ahead at the trends 2023 will have to offer. With unique materials, earth-drawn colours and stunning, statement stone – kitchens are fast becoming the most luxurious place in the home. In order to properly assess what next years kitchens will look like, Kate Deakin-Bell, marketing manager at Neolith, reveals five of the biggest design trends we can expect to see in cooking spaces next year.
Neolith Bassalt Black
1. Earth-drawn colours and materials
Mother Nature will continue to inspire kitchen design in 2023, says Kate. “The new kitchen trends are more thoughtful and considered than ever and are all about enhancing the time you spend in your cooking space. The focus is on comfort and longevity, using beautiful, quality materials that will age gracefully and stand the test of time. Expect to see unpainted wood cabinetry, natural stone benchtops and splashbacks, and muted, natural tones inspired by the outdoors such as sage, olive and buttermilk, which combine to create a sense of calm.”
2. Luxurious stone surfaces
Characterful stone benchtops and splashbacks are a key trend for kitchens in the year ahead, says Kate. “Homeowners are becoming braver with their stone choices, increasingly using it to express their personal style in the kitchen. While soft, understated stone colours and patterns will remain popular in 2023, expect to see stone in bold colours and with dramatic veining trending alongside them. Applied to benchtops and splashbacks, they look incredible paired with 2023’s rustic timbers and organic metal finishes.”
3. Statement islands
Forget boring kitchen islands – 2023’s iteration will be multi-use and packed with personality, says Kate. “The island is the hero of today’s kitchen, so it makes sense to see it receive the decorative attention it deserves.
“Next year, expect to see islands that feel less ‘kitchen-y’ and anything but off the shelf, including ones that resemble a piece of custom furniture, designs with curves, and islands with matchstick legs in powder-coated steel that give you space to tuck a few bar stools underneath – ideal in a compact kitchen.
“With more of us working from home and taking up new hobbies over the pandemic – often at the kitchen island – you’ll also see more tech features, such as integrated charging stations, charging drawers and places for devices to sit while they’re being used.”
4. Darker timbers
Dark timbers are liveable, luxe and exciting – and they’re coming to a kitchen near you in 2023. “Rich timber species such as walnut and blackened oak have been popular for a while now, but they’ll really come into their own in 2023,” says Kate. “And what’s not to love? They are wonderfully versatile and suit everything from modern rustic, contemporary and eclectic to industrial-style kitchens. Dark hues are also incredibly forgiving in a family home.
“Expect to see rich timber used in ever more creative ways in cooking spaces – pair it dramatic, veined benchtops and splashbacks to create a show-stopping colour contrast, add dark floating timber display shelves to personalise your kitchen, consider integrated joinery handles, or bring in texture with contoured panelling.”
Neolith Abu Dhabi White
5. Natural, ageing finishes
While sleek, modern finishes such as chrome and stainless steel tapware and handles will never really go out of style, expect to see a growing trend for finishes that embrace the natural ageing process in the year ahead, says Kate. “Weathered brass tapware, which has a living, organic finish, is designed to show the patina of time, bringing warmth and character to your kitchen. Add touches of weathered brass to create an appealing contrast against streamlined, contemporary joinery and benchtops, or use it to bring rustic charm to a modern-country cooking space.
“Water-marking and spotting is normal with a weathered brass finish. You’ll find the areas you touch most frequently will develop a light, golden colour while those you interact with less frequently will age and darken.”
There was a time when the sink was the last thing you’d put much thought into for your kitchen unless, perhaps, you were opting for a farmhouse-style ceramic butler’s sink over your more common stainless steel option. Single or double bowl might have been as complicated as it got. But oh, how times have changed! It’s not just two options these days; the sink has become a statement! And we’re happy to see it!
But when it comes choosing your fancy new brushed gold, black, gunmetal or terrazzo sink, what makes a good one and how can you confidently buy one online? Emma Johan, from leading Australian sink supplier Buildmat, which recently started supplying the public as well as the trade, filled us in.
All Buildmat’s sinks are designed by their team in Melbourne. “As a brand, we interact directly with the end user and being able to do that allowed us to understand what styles and designs were missing in the market,” she says. “We’ll often see customers compare our sinks with other brands and they realise they can’t pinpoint why but the designs of our sinks just feel better. The secret is that we purposely designed every ratio, size, corner and angle.”
Emma says their regular interaction with the customer keeps their finger on the pulse and inspires new ideas.”That first-hand information always ends up straight back in the product design and innovation.” An example of this is the unique Ella double corner sink which they designed when they realised there was indeed enough demand for it!
Buildmat have an amazing range of kitchen, bathroom and laundry sinks. While they started with sinks, they’ve now branched out into tapware and complementary products like wastes, towel and toilet roll holders.
Terrazzo, marble and brass basin wastes!
What started as stainless steel sinks in 2014, grew to include concrete, ceramic and terrazzo versions. In stainless steel sinks, their colour range spans brushed stainless steel, brushed nickel, brushed gunmetal, brushed brass gold, and brushed copper. It’s quite the candy store! And if you haven’t heard of them it’s because they haven’t been customer-facing, dealing solely with the trade, until their consumer business took off during the pandemic.
They also sell more kitchen sink accessories than you probably knew existed, such as protector grids, drying racks, chopping boards and colanders, in all the colours!
Cutting out the middleman of expensive retailers means Buildmat can offer a higher spec product for less. “Our sinks are manufactured with 1.5mm thick steel whereas the rest of the industry starts from 0.8mm to 1.2mm. The difference is a much stronger, sturdier sink.” And let’s face it, sinks get a lot of use and you don’t really want to have to be careful with them!
Emma agrees that the sink is becoming more about aesthetics and trends as well as function alongside the rise of the island bench. “We’re seeing a lot more stone benches that match throughout the house and as they become more on show, the kitchen sink and mixer become the masterpiece on the stone. We’re also seeing some customers choose bold colours in tapware and sinkware as the statement and having larger, more functional sinks in their butler’s pantry where all the mess is hidden away.”
A terrazzo and a pink concrete basin
We weren’t surprised to hear that the most popular tapware and sink colour for Buildmat is currently brushed brass gold (which I just happen to have in my own kitchen and laundry!). “It’s become really popular in the last few years. It’s a nice contrast to the more natural concrete and stone colours that we find being used in benchtops.”
And if you’re looking for something specific you haven’t been able to source anywhere else, like a brushed brass pullout mixer tap for example (above), the chances are Buildmat has one!
Although buying renovation materials online, sight unseen, is becoming more and more common, Jimmy appreciates many customers still can’t get their head around it and are nervous. His advice is to measure, measure, and then measure again!
“During the process of buying online, your best friend is always the cabinetmaker as they will tell you the exact sizes that you can work with. We find the people who talk to their cabinetmaker and get them to sign off on the sink size and dimensions always have it the easiest. Always listen to their advice as they are real professionals in measuring and figuring out what fits in your space.”
Buildmat is a 100% Australian owned and operated online supplier of building products. Based in Melbourne, they ship nationally, and their team live by the motto that if it’s not a product we would have in their own home, then they won’t be selling it!
In no small part due to the current season of The Block, modern country interiors are in vogue again. But the look is hardly new. In fact, it’s its timelessness and classic appeal that makes it a winner. We’ve rounded up some stunning projects to inspire you if you’ve been thinking of embracing the look.
The modern country style is a huge part of builder Rachael Turner’s work at Front Porch Properties. “I think the appeal is a fusion of old and new which is good, because everything feels modern, fresh, clean lined and sophisticated, but then it’s got that kind of homey charm which is so endearing and lovely to live in, and the feeling of it is just so warm.”
While Rachael doesn’t own a TV, her colleagues keep her up to date on The Block and its country focus. “I think it makes a nice change that they’ve steered across in this direction this season, and the one thing I love is that through all the style trends that have come and gone over the years, people still love to revert back to country. There’s just something about it; a timeless charm that resonates with most people.”
A long time user and fan of Intrim timber mouldings, she says they play a huge part in pretty much every project she does. “They’re often overlooked when planning a reno, but for us, using mouldings is one of our signature traits.”
In her Brookfield Project in Queensland, (pictured), she wanted a tall skirting board with simple detailing to work with the modern farmhouse look. “I love a 185mm profile as it just adds a little bit of luxury to any wall and finishes it off beautifully. We always use a matching architrave for our door and window trims too.”
They used the same 185mm skirting boards to customise some of the feature cabinetry in the living room and pantry. “This brought such a lovely cohesion to where the skirting met with the cabinetry; a simple detail but it really elevated the cabinetry.”
SK1006 skirting was also used to customise cabinetry for a cohesive look
Ultimately, Rachael says you can use the modern country style in any home, even a really contemporary one. “You can make it warmer just by styling it with a modern country feel.”
Intrim products used:SK1006 skirting board in 185 x 18mm | SK1006 architraves in 66 x 18mm | DAR in 66 x 12mm
For tips on how to customise your cabinetry using skirting boards, watch Rachael’s video:
Andrew Terevenar of AFT Building Solutions loves modern country too. “It should have a homely, warm feeling. Each room should feel inviting and cosy, and whites and warm tones should be consistent throughout the home. I believe the only modern components should be in the technology, appliances and fixtures used. In essence the home should feel that it has character and soul.”
AFT Building Solutions used a lot of mouldings in their Australian Coastal Sanctuary project (pictured) in south western NSW.
And whether you’re on acreage or in the burbs, Andrew says walking into a country style home should feel like an escape from the daily grind. “Generally, the country style home is accented with warm, bright tones and filled with natural light which can make a massive difference to someone’s wellbeing and general mood.
“I believe any home can be modern country if the house is done right with the right feel and design. Personally, I love the French country look so obviously chair rails and wainscoting are a must but I have seen some fantastic projects using just mixes of VJ board and natural timbers.”
Intrim products used: SK945B skirting boards in 185mm and architraves in 90mm | IN32 inlay mould and CR22 chair rail to create wainscoting
This NSW Southern Highlands country barn and cottage (below) by Cottonwood & Co is giving us all the country feels and has all the trimmings (pardon the pun!).
“The cottage dated back to around the 1940s/50s so had some lovely old character details like beautiful cornices and ceiling roses, but unfortunately over the years it had undergone a number of basic and unsympathetic updates which weren’t in keeping with its original character,” says interior designer Nicki Dobrzynski.
“It therefore felt important that we put back some of those original details, like the lovely detailed skirting and architrave mouldings from Intrim, as well as the VJ boards which reinforce that country cottage look. I love using VJ board as it’s a more modern version of traditional headboard but still very classic and suits both traditional or contemporary settings.”
Nicki says the modern country look calls for matte finishes and weathered materials over highly polished and perfect surfaces. “Country homes are all about comfort, practicality, architectural charm, and a collected, laid back look. The modern country home tends to have more vintage and antique pieces, but also found and collected objects.”
She added that while any home can embrace elements of modern country, you need to be careful not to overdo it or your interior can end up feeling too much like a theme. “I personally believe the most successful interiors respond to, and connect with, the landscape and environment they’re in as well as the homeowner’s personal style and taste. It’ll feel inauthentic if you try to create a particular style when the architecture and setting don’t relate to one another. If you’re in the city and love the modern country look, my advice would be to keep things a little more restrained.”
During every season of The Block, Kitchen Week is always one of the most exciting parts of the show. A lot rides on creating a great kitchen space. Along with the living room, the kitchen is really the centre of the home – a hub where we spend time entertaining, with family and cooking.
To help Aussies with their next kitchen reno, no matter what their style is, design expert and group design manager at Winnings Appliances Kate McGlone, speaks about the overall design of each house’s kitchen, plus her top three tips to get the look.
Ryan and Rachael Kitchen
House 1: Tom and Sarah Jane (modern industrial farmhouse)
“Tom and Sarah Jane’s kitchen showcases a traditional farmhouse look with an industrial influence. They have achieved a timeless look with the shaker style doors, an admired design feature in farmhouse kitchens. Their introduction ofindustrial copper pendant lights and a modern benchtop profile complement the shaker doors, combining traditional and contemporary design elements,” explains Kate.
“They have added interest through layered styling which is a low cost, low commitment and high impact way to add personality to a kitchen. They’ve worked to create a liveable kitchen that can change from a family friendly kitchen to an entertainer’s haven really effortlessly.”
Tom and Sarah Jane’s kitchen
Tom and Sarah Jane’s kitchen
Get the look
Copper accents add an industrial, yet glamorous aesthetic that subtly elevate the farmhouse trend: consider tieing in accents like Tom and Sarah Jane have with pendant lights and larger appliances like their Fhiaba copper fridge and knobs on their deep grey Ilve Majestic double oven
A farmhouse style sink adds a nod to the country that will fit in many homes and has the added benefits of space for cooking and cleaning. Abey’s ceramic single bowl sink lends itself perfectly to the farmhouse trend but will also fit in with a number of styles.
Create a liveable kitchen that is perfect for a big family or hosting multiple guests by opting for ultra-functional pieces, such as a Zip tap, providing boiled, chilled and sparkling water on demand
House 2: Ryan and Rachel (contemporary)
“Rachel and Ryan’s kitchen features a contemporary, refined, yet timeless look, which has been achieved through a clean material pallete. The introduction of shadow lines throughout the cabinetry adds interest. The brushed stainless accent door hardware is the hero of this kitchen, contrasting elegantly against their matte joinery, adding a subtle yet impactful stainless accent to this clean kitchen design.”
Ryan and Rachel’s kitchen
Get the look
For a contemporary space with Scandinavian nods, use blonde or warm wood accents in benches, shelving and beams; keep cabinetry light and bright; and pair with timeless yet impactful black and graphite appliances like in a statement Ilve oven and Vintec wine fridge
“Although there aren’t too many nods to country, Sharon and Ankur’s modern kitchen has a considered look as they share subtle ties between their door hardware and their appliances. Their kitchen consists of Smeg’s Dolce Stil Novo range, which features minimalist styling in black eclipse glass and refined copper, creating a timeless, elegant aesthetic. Copper was then brought into the door hardware and the pendants creating one cohesive look. Their hero island bench stands out in the middle making it a perfect entertainer’s kitchen.”
Sharon and Ankur’s kitchen
Get the look
Tie in copper and black for a modern aesthetic with a slightly industrial edge. Copper joinery on cabinets are harmonious with a sink ‘moment’ like Oliveri’s single bowl sink in copper. Offset shine with dark, modern and minimalist black tapware like from Zip and a Dolce Stil Novo cooktop in black
If you fancy yourself as somewhat of a sommelier like Sharon and Ankur’s imagined buyers, consider a forward-thinking sommelier drawer to house all your wine goods
Create functionality and added timelessness by opting for classic black appliances and ensure consistency in your appliances throughout the kitchen and butler’s pantry. Like Sharon and Ankur, think of harmonious appliances from one range like they have with black Dolce Stil Novo appliances
House 4: Dylan and Jenny (modern farmhouse)
“Dylan and Jenny’s kitchen showcases a true farmhouse aesthetic with a neutral colour palette with elements of popular sage green. They have used fluted glass on their overhead cabinets with a brass mesh interface on the island bench, creating beautiful texture through their materiality. Their attention to detail and careful material selection has elevated the overall finish, creating an opulent modern farmhouse aesthetic that would appeal to many buyers”.
Dylan and Jenny’s kitchen
Get the look
Sage green is an ongoing trend of people’s hearts. If you love Dylan and Jenny’s sage green kitchen, consider warming up grey-ish, muted sage with warm brushed gold accents in your cabinetry and sink and tapware, like Dylan and Jenny have done with the Zip Hydrotap.
For a home cook or a lover of entertaining, consider doubling the size of your oven cooking space with a dual oven like Dylan and Jenny’s classic black Smeg Portofino dual fuel oven and stove. Christmas lunches and dinner parties will become a breeze.
For easy entertaining, opt for a wine cabinet like this Vintec for a sleek way to store your favourite wines – an impressive way to showcase and serve wine at any party
House 5: Oz and Omar (integrated, industrial chic)
“Oz and Omar’s kitchen is an entertainer’s dream with a minimalist yet bold and timeless look. They have taken inspiration from metropolitan Melbourne and have created an industrial yet sophisticated space. Their integrated appliances allow for a seamless finish and were fundamental to achieving this sleek showpiece kitchen, fitting in perfectly with modern Australian lives. While moody and dark, their kitchen has clear nods to European design trends, which are bold, black, industrial and highly integrated.”
Oz and Omar’s kitchen
Get the look
Add clean lines for an industrial aesthetic by utilising integrated appliances that feel hidden, yet are very easily accessible. Oz and Omar did this with the likes of a V-ZUG integrated dishwasher, touch displays on ovens and matching V-ZUG appliances
For the perfect entertainer’s dream, The Galley’s Ideal Workstation sink adds a commercial-level feel with space and functionality that makes prep work and cleaning a joy
If you’re a fan of Oz and Omar’s moody, industrial kitchen, ensure you have ample natural light to offset the dark aesthetic and soften with textured stools and wooden features
“This ol’ gal with her timber benchtops, exposed canopy rangehood, above bench microwave hood and glass fronted overheads was due for a facelift. She’d been the backbone of the family for many years, however it was now time for her to take a starring role again,” says interior designer Silvia Roldan, who recently transformed this kitchen for her clients without changing the layout.
Before
After
“Our client’s brief was simple: retain the layout, location of all appliances and the gloss white 2Pac joinery. Everything else was open game!”
With an elegant combination of colours and textures, Silvia set about transforming the kitchen. With natural stone benchtops, organic Moroccan tiles and antique brass finishes on the tapware and joinery handles, it was instantly updated.
“Materiality is paramount for us, so selecting the right stone for the benchtops meant the new design would have longevity and a timeless character,” said Silvia, owner of Studio Esar.
Before
After
The glass fronted overhead cupboards were given an overhaul with more contemporary 2Pac doors and the grey on grey of the overheads and natural stone benchtop in New Grey Tundra created a tonal harmony. The open wine rack underneath the island bench was concealed behind new door panels.
“To signify the end of the kitchen, we removed the hood where the microwave was housed (and relocated it to inside the pantry) and replaced this with new overhead joinery consisting of a cupboard and open shelves. This not only opened up the area but created a quaint end to the rear bench and allowed our client to display some of her collected ceramics,” said Silvia.
Before
After
“Each space we create is highly tailored and rather than following trends, our studio is led by emotion and mood as we understand the power an interior can evoke. We pride ourselves on having an eye for detail and with this precision, we create textural and colourful spaces that are contemporary and classic,” said Silvia.
There are so many ways to give your home and lifestyle a glow up with gas, that it’s really worth considering some of these things at the start of the renovation or new home build. If you’re in QLD, NSW or VIC, gas can give you the chef’s choice for cooking, a roaring open fire, instant hot showers, cheaper energy bills and more, all while being better for the planet than grid electricity**. What’s not to like?!
The impressive Ilve Majestic upright gas cooktop in Tom and Sarah-Jane’s winning Block kitchen this year
Appliances
If this season’s Block kitchens are anything to go by, a gas cooktop is still the ultimate choice, with every one of the five duos on the popular reno show choosing a range style oven with gas cooktop. So, while induction is an option, it seems a gas cooktop is still the go for the luxury kitchen, especially in a more traditional home. Those range ovens are such a good-looking statement too, right?!
Alternatively, if you going for an ultra modern look in your new kitchen, the latest natural gas cooktop styles come with sleek black glass tops, for a super easy clean up, like the below from Fisher & Paykel.
And even if you go for a more modern, built-in, wall oven, all gas ovens heat up quicker than their electric counterparts and being more of a humid heat, manufacturers claim they’ll deliver better baked goods and the perfect crackling (but of course you can take all the credit yourself!).
Australia is on a journey to a renewable energy future, but coal is still being used for a significant amount of electricity generation on the east coast of Australia. Over the past 12 months, 67% of Victoria’s, 74% of NSW’s and and a whopping 78% of Queensland’s electricity grid was powered by coal-generated electricity***.
Even during the transition to renewable gas, in states such as Victoria, natural gas is still 48% cheaper* with 78% less CO2 emissions than coal-fired electricity**.
Don’t forget outdoor cooking too, which is something we Aussies are big on due to our (usually) great weather! The emphasis on indoor/outdoor flow is such a priority for new builds and renovations these days, that investing in an undercover, built-in outdoor kitchen or even just a BBQ connected to an unlimited gas supply (no more pesky bottles, thanks!) has become the norm. With the right setup, you’ll probably find yourself using it as much, if not more than, the indoor kitchen! I love the idea of keeping the mess outside too.
The Real Dads of Melbourne’s cute and compact barbecue area at their holiday house. Image via Mint/Sally Goodall
Heating and cooling
Even in the warmer months when it’s not being used, a fireplace can be a beautiful feature of your living room. And it goes without saying a gas version is cleaner (no soot to clean up or messy logs!), quicker, easier and usually cheaper to run than a coal or wood fire. And it’s no less cosy either. With heating and cooling accounting for up to 40% of your power bill, choosing an option like natural gas can make a big long-term difference.
The combination of built-in cabinetry, gas fire, navy panelling and wall-mounted television packs punch in the above project by Sarah Yarrow Interiors.
It’s not just fireplaces though. Of course natural gas can power your ducted air con, hydronic heating and space heaters too. Ducted is a super efficient way to heat, providing the opportunity to only heat certain zones, and it’s almost instant to kick in. For the warmer months, you can pair ducted heating with evaporative or refrigerated air conditioning systems for a cooler and more energy efficient solution.
A perhaps less known and newer option, hydronic heating doesn’t use fans, making it quiet and safe for the elderly and asthmatics, due to the reduction of dust movement. Hydronic gas systems can be underfloor systems that circulate heated water through a series of pipes or wall mounted radiators. Finally, space-saving and cheap to run, space heaters are a great way to heat just one room for example. They can even fit into existing fireplaces. They’ll keep you toasty warm despite the lack of visible flame.
Who doesn’t love a long, hot shower?
Reliable hot showers are a big deal for many people! Who wants a less than optimum experience to start and end their day, right?!
The GROHE Rainshower Smart Control system via Reece Bathrooms
If you’re connected to a natural gas continuous flow system, your hot shower will never run out. The dream! Natural gas hot water systems are an efficient way to heat water. Generally, they come in two sizes. ‘Storage’ is ideal for larger homes, while a ‘standard’ system is perfect for the average-sized home.
There are various types of gas hot water systems too. Continuous flow is pretty self explanatory! These systems are small wall-mounted units that heat up the water as you use it, rather than pre-heating it as a storage tank does. Then there’s the storage systems already mentioned above, which involve storing pre-heated water in insulated tanks (which can be very handy during power outages!). While not as efficient as continuous flow, they can still achieve a six-star energy rating. And then there’s the option of a solar gas-boosted system. This makes the most of solar energy and saves it in the tank while heating the water. You’ll also enjoy the added benefit of the gas booster, which will only kick in when solar heat isn’t enough. This system could save you both energy and money on your hot water bill if your electricity comes from the grid.
As you can see there’s lot to think about and a multitude of benefits and savings attached to choosing a natural gas connection for your home.
Did you know we have enough natural gas resources for over 80x of our current annual household needs. Source: AEMO 2021/2022 Reserves and resources Gas statement of opportunities
Gas can help us get to 100% renewable energy. Renewable hydrogen gas can be used like natural gas and is already being trialled in Australian homes. Source: Aust Government, Department of Industry, Science and Resources – Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy
Renewable Electricity is great, but it only accounts for 29.4% of Victoria’s network electricity. That’s why Natural gas is still the lowest carbon network energy … by far. Source: Victorian Renewable Energy Target 2020/2021 Progress report
Gas networks can be decarbonised using renewable hydrogen. A majority of AGN’s networks can carry 100% renewable hydrogen today. Source: Australian Gas Networks, Access Arrangement 2022
–Australian Gas Networks (AGN) owns and operates gas transmission and distribution pipelines across Australia, delivering gas to over 1.3 million homes and businesses in South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales. AGN receives a portion of the natural gas invoice from your energy retailer, which covers the costs of transporting natural gas to your street and home.
*Source: Based on Origin Energy charges for a KwH of natural gas compared to electricity
**Source: Based on Aust Dept for Energy emissions factors Aug 2021 and AEMO Electricity Generation Data year to Aug 2022.
Celebrating its 35th year, Caesarstone has chosen the pebble – a symbol of nature’s inimitable role in the art of creation – as inspiration for its very latest collection of quartz surfaces.
Caesarstone Pebbles Riverlet
As a precious creation of nature – crafted over many, many years and shaped by the forces of water, wind and sunlight – the pebble is a fitting inspiration for Caesarstone’s new range of quartz sustainable surfaces.
They’ve crafted four organic designs, each one taken directly from the earthy, natural hues and patina of a single pebble. The Pebbles collection comprises four designs intended for surfaces throughout the home – from bathroom to kitchen, living space to laundry.
As with all Caesarstone quartz collections, Pebbles is one of the most durable surfaces available, being non-porous (never requiring sealing) as well as chip, stain, scratch and heat-resistant.
Riverlet is a gentle off-white base with soft, honied-amber capillaries that flow across the surface. Its honed finish reflects light and is ideal for low-light areas.
Wyndigo features a wash of warm, earthy hues over a soft greige surface. Veining in foaming greys is a feature. Its two-toned mottled patina is in a honed finish.
Raindream’s two layers of slate greys are accentuated with soft dark grey strokes. Its surface emulates the look of wet river stone – in a polished finish.
Agger Grey is a rich, two-toned base of warm, smoky greys with delicate clay undertones and white veining. Available in a polished finish.
Caesarstone Pebbles Riverlet
In designing the above kitchen for an extended family, Darren Genner, principal designer at Studio Minosa, has applied a modern style to a Mid Century home. “The kitchen is designed to accommodate numerous family members cooking together, with the white-on-white walls, cabinetry and benchtops adding a level of sophistication to the space. The soft white of Pebbles Riverlet, in a light-reflective honed finish, is ideal for this otherwise low-light space,” he said.
Caesarstone Pebbles Raindream in a bathroom
Caesarstone’s sustainability commitment, announced last year, sets out the four pillars of its environmental approach to creating the world’s most sustainable surfaces.
Caesarstone Pebbles carries a lifetime warranty, ensuring complete peace of mind for the consumer. It is available nationally and retails from approximately $700 to $900/m2 (which includes basic fabrication and installation).
Wattyl & Caesarstone make perfect pairings easy
Wattyl and Caesarstone have collaborated once again to help take the guesswork and mystery out of choosing a successful colour/finishes…
The big kitchen reveal
Photography by Jacqui Turk I am so excited to finally share my new kitchen with you today! Seeing these beautiful…
Sadly, creating the dream kitchen for many can simply be too expensive. But can you put a price on the perfect dinner creation station? Luckily you might not have to thanks to The Block’s Jason Charles, who has shared five of his top tips for an affordable kitchen reno.
Jason Charles, a hipages ambassador and the lead builder for Mitch & Mark | Photo by Eugene Hyland
1. Buy ahead, buy it yourself, buy it on sale
You can purchase good selections of materials and appliances with 15-year warranties without going to the top shop. Look for quality at a discounted price, with less mainstream suppliers who might be having a sale, and purchase from there. But, be sure to let your builder know!
For example, a tile shop might have a small amount of tiles on sale, which could be enough for your kitchen! Keeping an eye out for these sale purchases before your renovations begin, means the power is in your hands and you won’t have builders adding builder’s margin to your price.
2. Opt for cheaper but durable appliances
The rose gold sink and tap may be the most attractive option, but they can be on the pricier side and often stain or scratch over time. Opting for stainless steel will not only save you money, but will last a lot longer, meaning you won’t have to undergo another renovation any time soon.
Otherwise, if you have your heart set on something specific, but can’t afford it right away, there are some appliances you can insert temporarily. Door handles are a common one. Buy a budget handle and upgrade it in 12 months when you’ve saved up the extra cash. Do your research to see what other appliances you can purchase that are within your budget, suit your needs, are known to be long lasting, or can be temporary and upgraded later down the line.
3. Book a licensed tradie
Don’t try to man this one on your own, or pay the price. 23% of Aussies will try to do a job such as a kitchen renovation themselves, and 48% underestimate the complexity of it. Save yourself the effort and money by getting it right the first go and booking a licensed tradie. A tradie who has a portfolio of previous kitchen renovation experience will make a huge difference to the journey and output of the job. Don’t forget to source at least three quotes to see what else is out there and to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
4. Discuss your options with your tradie
Work with your tradie to mitigate the material cost by opting for cheaper (but still suitable) material alternatives. This will help you stay within budget, and your tradie can provide a better quote for you. Have a conversation with them before the building begins, ask questions, and they’ll be able to give their expert advice on what’s going to work best for your home and your budget.
5. Make sure your budget has wiggle room
Of course having a budget is important, but keep in mind that not all plans go to plan. Allocate an extra 10-to-20% in case of an emergency, such as your desired appliance being out of stock or needing to call in for an extra helping hand.
Located in Melbourne’s Malvern East, this stately Arts and Crafts era home had been extensively renovated in the past but was desperately in need of a contemporary update. “The home had the right quantity of rooms but it lacked the aesthetic finesse and the functional flow that the new owners required,” says interior designer Penny del Castillo who was tasked with updating the home with a touch of Parisian flair.
Kitchen
With five family members who all have a penchant for cooking, the kitchen was the obvious place to begin the overhaul. “We created a larger working kitchen for all five family member chefs in the household,” says Penny of the space that was once so pokey that only one person could cook in it. The redesign also brought in direct natural light, created more storage and also saw the creation of a proper walk-in butler’s pantry.
Kitchen
Butler’s pantry
And while the renovation was only originally only going to include the kitchen, Penny and her team ended up overhauling the entire ground floor of the home. This included the entry, hallway, powder room, guest bedroom, laundry, family room, dining room and master bedroom including ensuite and walk-in-robe. “The overall inspiration for our design was to celebrate the Arts and Crafts era of the original home with a slight Parisian twist,” says Penny.
Dining room
The master bedroom, ensuite and walk-in-robe received a complete refurbishment. Of note, the master bedroom lacked storage but that has been remedied with a large piece of built-in joinery that houses the owners’ extensive book collection.
Master bedroom
The master bedroom is now a much more functional and aesthetically pleasing space too. “In the bathroom, we created more light and separated the shower from the bath,” says Penny who also upgraded the interior of the walk-in-robe to make for more efficient use of space.
Ensuite
Ensuite
The living room was renovated with the cosy space now the perfect spot for a chat or some time alone. “We updated the fireplace and created a bookshelf display area. Also, the owners didn’t want the television to be the centre of attention in the room and we left space for a wall of collected art,” says Penny.
Lounge room
Overall, the owners are thrilled with their ‘new’ home – the way that it flows and functions. “Overall, there has been a massive improvement in spatial planning, without increasing the existing footprint of the property.”
Last updated in the 90’s, this grand Edwardian-era Melbourne home has just been renovated again with interior designer Jessica Viscarde, of Eclectic Creative, at the helm. “The home had undergone an extension in the late 90’s and the existing conditions of the kitchen, living and dining, as well as the laundry room, did not fit the style of the home, nor meet the needs of the family,” says Jessica, who set about updating the circa 1914 abode with clever space planning, lovely new design features and a neutral yet textured materials palette.
BEFORE kitchenAFTER kitchen
While Jessica updated the entire living, dining and kitchen, perhaps the most striking aspect of overhaul is the integrated meals table that is nestled into the kitchen island bench. “We proposed this layout as our ‘wild card’ option and were thrilled our clients chose it as their favourite. Our clients preferred the ability to sit down comfortably in chairs rather than having an oversized, and perhaps under-utilised, island bench with bar stools.” says Jessica of the unique design that is a natural gathering space in the room.
AFTER kitchen. The integrated meals area is a unique feature.
The kitchen’s beautiful original window area is now complemented by a ceramic double farmhouse sink, Brodware mixer and integrated dishwasher and bins. The cabinetry was extended to frame the original windows and Spanish hand-cut tiles imbue the space with gorgeous texture. Nearby, the fridge was repositioned to free up space that now houses a substantial oven, cooktop and upper cabinetry. As for materials, the kitchen combines natural stone, porcelain and timber with VJ panelling and slimline shaker cabinet profiles.
AFTER kitchen
“We decided to zone designated areas within the expansive open space to incorporate both living and dining, whilst creating an additional sitting area encased by those lovely bay windows,” says Jessica. The living area features custom joinery that was designed to complement the kitchen and neatly store tech away. Powder-coated perforated metal allows for the use of remotes and open timber shelves are the perfect spot to house personal touches.
BEFORE loungeAFTER lounge
“A custom sofa was designed especially for the space and made locally in Melbourne. It’s paired with a stunning green wool area rug to add a soft layer and zone the living area in the open space,” says Jessica.
AFTER dining
The bay window area off the kitchen now houses a lovely reading and relaxing zone to take in the established gardens and sun. UV-friendly fabric was specified for the armchairs and a hand-knotted custom rug from Hali Rugs completes the scene. A David Trubridge pendant light complements another version of the light in the dining area, while working to link the two spaces.
Last night, the kitchen by Block host Scott Cam and his team was unveiled and it was really quite lovely! Did you like what you saw? We’ve rounded up our favourite items to buy if you’re inspired to shop the look!
Drawing inspiration from country location, Scotty produced a standout kitchen which celebrates a modern farmhouse aesthetic. Freedom Kitchens’ shaker-style kitchen cabinets in matte black, perforated metal door inserts and plate racks, and marble-look Caesarstone benchtops combined beautifully.
Matte black zinc handles and a stunning feature timber island bench by Block favourite Christian Cole added a contemporary twist. The cooking zone includes an impressive array of AEG appliances including two 60cm natural gas cooktops, a steam oven and compact from Winning Appliances, complemented by an Electrolux Fridge and Vintec wine storage.
Many of the stars of this kitchen are hidden behind closed doors. Internal storage solutions have been included to maximise functionality and ease of use. Simple yet effective inner drawers and cutlery trays ensure drawers are easy to arrange and keep tidy, while Hettich AvanTech YOU drawers light up the contents within. An integrated Häfele Dispensa pull out pantry and tandem pantry store non consumables, while shelf pull-outs and classic shelf and towel rail by the sink ensure organisation is a breeze.
Flowing on from the kitchen, the butler’s pantry blends form with function. It offers a plethora of extra storage and appliances, allowing cooking and cleaning to be done out of sight. Additional bench space and shelving provide styling opportunities, as well as space to store small appliances such as kettles and toasters, keeping the main kitchen space uncluttered.
Freedom Kitchens details
Cabinetry: Freedom Kitchens Sierra Black Matt, Perforated Metal Door Inserts
Benchtops: Caesarstone Aterra Blanca 40mm
Handles: Hampton Wide Cup Pull 96mm Matt Black 12-M-33, Matt Black Diecast Zinc Bar Handles with Backing Plate 38-K-163, Touch Catch
Accessories: Plate Rack, Häfele Dispensa Pull Out Pantry, Häfele Tandem Pantry, Hettich AvanTech YOU drawers system, Ninka Bins, Hugo Bin, Federation Capping, Inner Drawers, Drawer Non-slip Liners, Cutlery Trays, Classic-style Shelf Pull-out, Classic Shelf & Towel Rail Pull-out
Appliances: By AEG, Vintec and Electrolux, supplied by Winning Appliances
Small appliances: By Sunbeam, supplied by Winning Appliances
Sink and tap: By Turner Hastings, supplied by Winning Appliances
Shop Scotty’s kitchen accessories at The Block Shop
It’s the traditional heart of the home, the space where families gather and where technology meets tradition. Welcome to the always exciting kitchen week! With a perfect score of 30 for the winners and even 24 out of 30 for last place, you can imagine it was a night of impressive rooms!
Let’s see what the judges said and who scored what…
(Read to the end for your chance to win art from Jenny and Dylan’s sage green kitchen)
Tom & Sarah-Jane (first place) 30 points
“I am awestruck!” Darren said as he walked in and took in everything from the beautiful herringbone flooring, massive Ilve oven and statement copper fridge (complete with charcuterie and cheese cabinet!) and more. It’s “the ultimate contemporary country kitchen,” Neale declared and for once, Shaynna didn’t disagree.
Darren said making the mixed metals work took genuine insight. And the messaging to the market was pure luxury. Shaynna said the house had a pulsating heart and the kitchen was just beautiful.
With touches including an over-stove pot-filler tap, a butler’s pantry that could serve as a second kitchen and ample space for every gadget possible without feeling crowded, this was a kitchen that immediately caught all three judges and set the standard for every other team to beat… if they could.
They agreed the pantry was beautifully styled and like a kitchen on its own. Everything spoke to Neale of modern luxury with a contemporary twist. Darren said it was legit a luxury home with luxury inclusions.
With brass mesh inserts in sage green cabinetry and fluted glass panelling behind the rangehood, Shaynna was instantly captivated by the colours of house 4’s kitchen, while Neale gushed over the mix of contemporary and country that tugged at the heartstrings. Darren really loved the brass mesh!
By matching the stove, fridge and rangehood, the whole area ties together, Shaynna said, with Darren pointing the lighting that for once this week, he utterly loved. From modern touches like an Insinkerator garbage disposal unit to a traditional butler’s pantry with more benchspace than they could want, the judges found the space a perfect addition to Jenny and Dylan’s home.
They pointed out the stools were too high (easy to change) but otherwise there was a lot to love. Darren loved the styling and the feel. Darren also loved how the lights anchored the kitchen area. Shaynna said the lighting plan worked. Neale said it had a little layer of personality, spirit and soul and felt right.
They loved the pantry too. Darren said it was all so beautifully done. Shaynna said it was stunning and Neale said the styling would have massive buyer appeal. It was the best room they’d delivered so far.
“Oh my God,” said Darren. It’s pretty spectacular,” said Neale. “This is nuts,” added Darren of the extra-long island bench and huge sink. Shaynna said the kitchen oozed with drama.
Featuring $250,000 worth of top-end Winning appliances – anything and everything a modern home owner could want – Omar and Oz’s kitchen was always going to be hard to beat. And nestled in a dark-accented space that screamed modern while somehow nodding to the country setting, it’s near perfect, Darren said, a kitchen that truly embraces contemporary.
But was it too much? In a country home, did the huge stainless island bench sink fit? Was the concrete aggregate flooring in style? Who cares, they decided, it all worked, from the Portatimber ceiling past the state-of-the-art Gallery and V-Zug appliances to the ground and everything in between, this kitchen, Darren summed up: “Will sell the house!”.
Shaynna said the lighting was beautiful. Neale thought the stools should have been timber to complement the ceiling.
They loved the butler’s pantry too, and the styling. Neale said it was a 100% contemporary kitchen and not the kitchen he would put in a country house, but could tell the boys were committed to and confident in their style. Shaynna was nervous for their future budget with what they’d spent on timber and Venetian plaster for example. But above all, it was great feedback.
From the six-seat island in front to the discrete butler’s pantry behind (with its hidden challenge-winning mirror), a separate Smeg wine fridge and even cornices combined with square-set ceilings, it’s a kitchen that lacked the styling impact of others, but still did justice to the home Ankur and Sharon are building.
Cleverly set at the end of the new build and aimed straight at their house’s main asset – the view – this was a kitchen that immediately won the judges praise. The Black Empira Caesarstone complementing rose gold accents in the Smeg stove and a quirky pink-panelled fridge all worked to make what Neale called a classic kitchen.
Shaynna wasn’t loving the styling though. There was too much “just thrown there” and Neale agreed, saying there was no cohesion and he wasn’t getting the magic spark.
They were impressed by the wine-lovers’ butler’s pantry. Neale loved the galley feel and the wallpaper. Darren noticed the painting was very good. Shyanna wondered there was enough bench space.
It didn’t go too well here! Shaynna said it was a kitchen without a soul and Neale said it felt like a work in progress. None of the judges liked the lights. Functionally and aesthetically Darren could see a lot of positives. The open shelves were too high for most people to reach though.
Shaynna said the concept of the timber wraparound was fantastic but it was a bit narrow (perhaps not wide enough for a dinner plate for example) but she just wasn’t feeling an emotional connection.
Beautifully executed and with attention to zoning and layout, the kitchen worked well, they agreed, but lacked the drama of other houses. The exposed beams overhead hinted at a country feel that could be coming, but while it’s a “bloody good kitchen” Neale said, there just wasn’t the emotional connection for him either.
In the butlers, Shaynna sad the all white palette was too clinical. Neale said it was frustrating as it needed life adding to it.
“Except for the outside we’ve basically got a brand new home,” says Erica Serena of the Perth abode that she shares with her partner Nia Hale. Originally built in 1994, Erica purchased the house in 2008 but had wanted to overhaul it for a long time. “It was a long overdue renovation and a dream I had had for a long time,” says Erica who engaged interior designer Steph Versaico of SV Designs to help bring her vision to life.
BEFORE laundryAFTER laundry
Completed in just 10 weeks, the renovation encompassed the entire inside of the home but it’s the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry where the most incredible transformations took place. “Overall, I really wanted a space that felt calm and relaxing but that incorporated black as we love black,” says Erica who had all the walls painted in Dulux Lexicon Quarter – the bright white shade was chosen to help bounce light around the home. And because the entire home was renovated at once, Erica really worked to give the home a sense of cohesion.
BEFORE main bathroomAFTER main bathroom
A standout part of the renovation, the kitchen features simple black cupboards and a statement porcelain bench top. “We were originally going to go with stone, but it seemed high maintenance and I didn’t like the colour choices. I love the smooth, matte feel of the Cosentino Dekton benchtop in Portum and the waterfall edge is my favourite part of the kitchen,” says Erica who explains that the material has become the hero of the space.
BEFORE kitchenAFTER kitchen
During the design process, it became obvious that the home’s beige windows were going to have to be replaced – a potentially expensive process. “I ended up getting them painted which was so much cheaper,” says Erica. The process involved sanding down the home’s aluminium window frames before coating them with primer and two coats of marine grade paint. “They look like brand new windows. The process wasn’t cheap, but it was cheaper than replacing them,” says Erica.
BEFORE kitchenAFTER kitchen
AFTER kitchen
The home’s new ensuite is another highlight and while diminutive, it more than makes up for its size with personality. “It’s such a compact space and while I would love a more luxurious sized ensuite we decided to make is as beautiful as possible. It’s a joy to be in there,” says Erica whose love of pink is reflected in the elongated hexagon, honed marble tiles that cover one wall.
BEFORE ensuiteAFTER ensuite
AFTER. The ensuite features tapware by ABI Interiors.
“I am most proud of having a home that I’m not embarrassed about anymore. It feels happy and bright yet calm and beautiful. There’s not a space that I don’t love and to finally have a beautiful, grown-up home feels so good.”
Photography: Erica Serena
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